How to do "broken doll make-up" at home

The essence of the look is to create the visual effect of a cracked porcelain surface, like a vintage doll. Visually, this can look both slightly creepy and incredibly appealing, depending on the colour palette, mood and details of the look.

One of the most memorable variations is a technique from Mexican make-up artist Sandra Saenz. She went even further and uses real eggshells to enhance the feeling of cracked "shards" on the face.

Before application, the eggshells are pre-treated and cleaned from the inside out and then gently attached to the skin with a safe make-up glue.

The artist then masterfully weaves the shells into the overall crack pattern and adds bright coloured accents for maximum realism. Soft transitions between the shell and the skin are achieved by dotting with shadows and eyeliners, while a final layer of fixative secures the whole construction.

In addition to the shell variation, simpler methods are also popular: creating cracks with thin brushes and special brushes for thin liner.

The key to success here is to work out the details: irregular, "branching" lines should resemble natural cracks. To enhance the effect, many people use black or dark brown colour combined with white highlighter on the edges to create the illusion of depth. Another technique is the use of liquid latex or safe glue, which tightens the skin to form textured folds. After drying, they are tinted to give a cracked look.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to create the "smashed doll" effect at home. It is important to remember caution and skin safety, especially if you plan to use additional materials like eggshells or liquid latex.

1. Skin preparation

1. Cleansing and moisturising
   Start by cleansing your face with a mild cleanser and then apply moisturiser. This way, you'll prepare your skin for thicker makeup and prevent excessive dryness.

2. Primer
   Use a base (primer) that suits your skin type. This will help to even out the surface of your face and increase the staying power of your makeup.

2. Foundation and creating a doll-like tone

1. Foundation (foundation)
   For a doll skin effect, it is recommended to choose a foundation half a tone lighter than usual, or use a classic shade, but with a denser coverage. This will emphasise the "porcelain" look.

2. Finishing with powder
   Apply transparent or light powder to fix the foundation and prepare the "canvas" for drawing cracks.

3. Drawing the "cracks"

1. Choice of tool

   • A thin brush or an eyeliner brush.
   • Black, brown or grey gel or liquid eyeliner is suitable.
   • For extra depth, you can use a white or light grey pencil to add light highlights around the lines.

2. The shape of the cracks

   • Start drawing "branching" thin lines in a chaotic pattern.
   • Avoid clear, straight lines: the cracks should "branch" and look natural.
   • Some lines may be thinner, others a little thicker, with slight "chipping" at the edges.

3. Adding depth

   • Lightly darken the inner edges of the cracks with dark brown or grey shadow.
   • On the outer edges, add white highlighter or light shadow to create volume.

4. Details for a doll-like effect

1. Eyes

   • You can apply light shadows (beige or pastel pink) on the entire eyelid to visually widen the eyes.
   • Swipe a white or nude pencil across the mucous membrane of the lower eyelid to open up the look.
   • Voluminous mascara or false lashes will make the look more "doll-like".

2. Eyebrows

   • Gently style your eyebrows with gel or soap, you can lighten them slightly or draw in fine hairs to make them look soft and delicate.

3. Lips

   • Often for a broken doll choose either delicate pink shades, or vice versa - make bright lips in contrast to the "pale" skin.
   • To enhance the effect of a porcelain doll, you can apply concealer along the contour of the lips, visually "erasing" the natural boundaries, and then draw a new contour more clearly.

5. Using additional materials (optional)

1. Eggshells (Sandra Saenz's version)

   • Wash and dry the eggshell thoroughly. It is important to remove any egg white residue.
   • Carefully break the shell into small pieces.
   • Attach the pieces to your skin using cosmetic glue (aqua make-up glue, eyelash glue, etc.). Do not use stationery glue or super glue - it is dangerous for the skin!
   • To make the shell harmonise with your makeup, you can lightly touch it up with shadow, eyeliner or airbrush. Smooth out the transitions by finishing the "continuation" of the cracks on your face.

2. Liquid latex

   • Liquid latex is often used to create volumised effects in make-up. Apply it in the desired places, wait for partial drying, then lightly "rub" or "undermine" the edges. This way you can create a realistic relief.
   • Cover the top with foundation or shadow to blend with the skin colour.

6. Final touches

1. Blush if necessary

   • If you want a more doll-like look, apply a delicate pink blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will add innocence to the look and emphasise the contrast with the "broken" cracks.

2. Fixer

   • Finish with a fixative spray or clear powder to make your make-up last as long as possible.

7. Makeup Remover

1. Soften adhesive or latex

   • Use micellar water or a special remuver to safely remove any overlaying elements (eggshells, latex). Be careful not to traumatise the skin.

2. Cleansing and care

   • After removing make-up, be sure to wash your face with a mild cleanser.
   • Apply a soothing cream or mask to revitalise your skin and avoid irritation.

Create the image of a "broken doll" at home is quite realistic, if you choose the right materials and show creativity. Be careful when working with eggshells and any adhesives, so that the make-up remains spectacular and safe for your face.